Vaccine News

The state of Texas has been reporting a spike in measles cases in 2025, including some in vaccinated children.

The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) initially reported two measles cases in Harris County, which includes the city of Houston, in January 2025.

Since then, DSHS has confirmed an ongoing measles outbreak in the South Plains. As of March 4, 2025, 159 cases have been identified. There has been one fatality in a school-aged child who lived in the outbreak area. The child was not vaccinated and had no known underlying conditions.

Another measles case was recently reported in Travis County by the Austin Health Department.

The DSHS's investigation into the vaccination status is ongoing. So far, 5 cases have been confirmed as vaccinated with one dose. In 74 cases, the vaccination status is classified as unknown.

DSHS wrote, 'A dose of MMR is given to unvaccinated people within 72 hours of their exposure to the measles to lessen the severity of the illness if they get sick from the virus.'

'We are investigating whether any of these cases received their MMR dose after (virus) exposure.'

'Due to the highly contagious nature of this disease, additional cases are likely to occur in the outbreak area and the surrounding communities,' added DSHS.

Last year, 285 measles cases were reported in the U.S. Minnesota (70) and Illinois (67) were the leaders in confirming measles outbreaks.

Most of the measles cases in 2024 were traced to unvaccinated international travelers.

Currently, the U.S. CDC maintains a Level 1 Travel Health Advisory that identifies 57 countries reporting measles cases.

The CDC and DSHS strongly encourage most people to get two doses of a MMR vaccine, available at clinics and pharmacies in the United States in 2025.

Measles vaccination programs began in the United States in 1963. Since then, the MMR vaccine has been found to be very safe and about 95% effective.

The U.S. FDA has approved the M-M-R®II, ProQuad®, and Priorix vaccines to prevent measles. On November 18, 2022, the CDC stated that the Priorx and M-M-R II® vaccines are considered fully interchangeable.

While the mpox Clade 2 outbreak has spread globally since May 2022, Clade 1 cases have been limited to travel-related detections in most countries.

According to the South Africa's Department of Health's announcement on February 27, 2025, the country has recorded three laboratory-confirmed cases of mpox Clade 1 in three provinces, such as Gauteng. 

Gauteng province contains the country's largest city, Johannesburg, home to about 16 million people.

This news increases the cumulative number of positive cases from 25 to 28, including three deaths.

The DOH wrote in a press release, 'There is no need for the public to panic, but people are urged to remain cautious of how mpox spreads and to seek help when faced with symptoms of mpox.'

'The risk of wider transmission remains low in South Africa, but anyone can contract mpox regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation and race.'

Mpox has become a vaccine-preventable disease.

However, South Africa has a limited stock of a mpox-specific vaccine for the treatment of patients who experience severe health complications as a result of this sexually transmitted disease.

As of March 4, 2025, about four mpox vaccines have been used worldwide.

Globally, mpox continues to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security, as per the declarations by both the World Health Organization and Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention in August 2024.

The mpox outbreak is ongoing in thirteen out of 22 countries in Africa, with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo currently reporting the highest number of cases.

In the United States, most Clade 1 mpox cases have been travel-related.

As the 2024-2025 flu season winds down in the United States, the U.S. CDC recently reported positive news regarding this year's influenza vaccine effectiveness (VE).

On February 27, 2025, the CDC announced that the interim 2024–2025 seasonal influenza VE estimates among children and adolescents were 32%, 59%, and 60% in outpatient settings and 63% and 78% against influenza-associated hospitalization.

Among adults, VE was 36% and 54% in outpatient settings and 41% and 55% against influenza-associated hospitalization.

The CDC wrote that this data indicated 'vaccination with the 2024–2025 influenza vaccine reduced the risk for influenza-associated outpatient visits and hospitalization.'

Unfortunately, twelve pediatric deaths associated with seasonal influenza virus infection were reported last week, bringing the 2024-2025 season total to 98 pediatric deaths.

Last flu season, 207 children died from influenza infections.

These CDC findings support the recommendation that all eligible persons aged ≥ over six months receive an annual influenza vaccination.

From an availability perspective, with over 100 million vaccines distributed this season, flu shots should be offered at clinics and pharmacies as long as influenza viruses are circulating.

While the United States only reported 199 Chikungunya fever cases last year, recent research indicates this low number may be related to under-testing.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that among the cases reported in 2024, a higher-than-expected number of Chikungunya cases occurred among returning travelers from India, where the National Center for Vector-Borne Diseases Control in India reported 192,343 CHIKV cases in 2024.

Although not listed as a hemorrhagic fever virus, the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) can be easily confused with more well-known diseases, such as dengue or yellow fever.

According to the CDC, a Chikungunya diagnosis should be made by nucleic acid testing during the acute phase of infection or by serologic testing after the first week of illness.

Additionally, a positive CHIKV-specific IgM antibody test result should be confirmed by neutralizing antibody testing at a state public health laboratory or

Therefore, the CDC says healthcare providers should consider CHIKV infection in patients with acute onset of fever and polyarthralgia for appropriate clinical management. Providers are also encouraged to report suspected Chikungunya cases to health departments to facilitate diagnosis and mitigate the risk of local transmission.

These CDC recommendations are challenging as most CHIKV infections are related to international travelers visiting over 100 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. 

Furthermore, Pune's National Institute of Virology has indicated that CHIKV variants are causing more cases and lingering symptoms in 2024. A  study published on October 19, 2024, identified Chikungunya's "Indian Ocean lineage" as the primary cause of the recent surge in cases and lingering symptoms.

This novel CHIKV lineage, first identified in 2006, has also spread globally.

These experts have determined that the incidence of post-chikungunya chronic rheumatism and fatigue and the impact on quality of life and chronic fatigue in adults seven years after infections were significant.

To alert travelers of this health risk, the CDC updated its Level 2 Travel Health Advisory regarding outbreaks in various Indian states, such as Maharashtra and Telangana. These areas are very popular destinations for international travelers.

In 2025, the CDC recommends travelers to Chikungunya outbreak areas speak with a travel vaccine expert about immunization options since the U.S. FDA has approved one effective vaccine commercially offered at clinics and pharmacies.

A more straightforward and less expensive CDC recommendation to reduce Chikungunya disease cases this year is to avoid mosquito bites when traveling abroad.

The World Health Organization (WHO) today announced the recommendations for the viral composition of the trivalent influenza vaccines for the 2025-2026 influenza season in the northern hemisphere.

Announced on February 28, 2025, the WHO recommendations are used by the national vaccine regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical companies to develop, produce, and license influenza vaccines for the following influenza season. 

The twice-yearly update of viruses in influenza vaccines is necessary for the vaccines to be effective due to the constantly evolving nature of influenza viruses, including those circulating and infecting humans.

Additionally, the WHO's recommendation for the B/Yamagata lineage component of quadrivalent influenza vaccines remains unchanged from previous recommendations.

For the 2024-2025 flu season, about 100 million influenza vaccines were distributed in the United States.

As of February 28, 2025, about 45.8% of children and 45.2% of adults, including 70% of adults 65+, reported receipt of an influenza vaccine this season. The CDC reported on May 25, 2024, that about 48% of U.S. adults received a flu shot during 2023-2024.

When selecting an island destination for vacation in 2025, an archipelago of volcanic islands in the Pacific Ocean off the west coast of the Republic of Ecuador may be a great destination.

Named for their giant tortoises, 18 main Galápagos islands are centered on Baltra, the home to the primary commercial and private airport that welcomes about 265,000 visitors yearly.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies, the Galapagos Islands do not have any targeted health advisories in effect as of late February 2025.

Furthermore, the CDC says there are no vaccination requirements for visiting the Galapagos, as the disease risk is very low across the archipelago.

However, the CDC does recommend that all travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccines like tetanus and measles. Other vaccine options include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and typhoid fever, especially if you plan to visit areas of Ecuador besides the Galápagos.

However, if you spend time in Ecuador, the CDC warns travelers about two viruses that spread primarily through infected midges and mosquitoes.

In 2025, both Oropouche and Dengue travel advisories include Ecuador, which extends to Galápagos.

"The Galápagos Islands are a popular choice for travelers to view wildlife up close in stunning landscapes and varied island ecologies," Jeri Beales, MSN, RN, informed Vax-Before-Tarvel News.

"From a health perspective, there is no concern for malaria or yellow fever on any of the islands, but mosquitos are known to carry dengue fever, so visitors need to prevent bites while visiting."

"And you should have a health professional look over your vaccine records before leaving to ensure you're up-to-date on CDC recommended immunizations. If you plan to combine a trip to the Galápagos with areas of mainland Ecuador, be sure to mention this to your doctor or travel clinic because there are other health risks to consider," added Beales, who leads Destination Health Clinic, a Boston-area travel health provider specializing in health education and vaccination for international travelers.

Additionally, there has been evidence of transmission of Chikungunya, Malaria, Yellow Fever, and the Zika virus in Ecuador within the last five years.

Proof of Yellow Fever vaccination is required for most travelers arriving in Ecuador from Brazil.

From a safety perspective, the U.S. Department of State ranks Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands as Level 2 destinations. While several areas in Equador are at risk, and visitors should exercise increased caution, the islands 500 miles to the west are not mentioned by the State Department.

If you travel to Ecuador, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive digital alerts, making locating you in an emergency easier. Or visit the U.S. Embassy in Quito, Ecuador.

As the Galápagos Islands are a year-round travel destination, the local government strives to ensure everyone has a healthy and safe visit in 2025.

While the Zika virus has been detected since 1947 and caused significant outbreaks in the Region of the Americas in 2015/2016, the Argentine Republic historically reported very few cases.

However, new data published by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) indicates a significant Zika outbreak is underway. As of February 27, 2025, Argentina has reported 288 Zika cases in 2025.

Last year, Argentina reported 564 Zika cases for the entire year.

In 2021, the U.S. CDC removed its Level 2 Travel Advisory focused on Argentina's Zika outbreak.

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes transmit the Zika virus, the same ones that spread dengue and chikungunya, which are found throughout the Americas.

Argentina is the second-largest country in South America, but is geographically close to Brazil, which is the unfortunate leader in Zika cases. In 2024, Brazil reported over 42,000 Zika cases.

In addition to Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, and Peru reported significant Zika cases in 2024. In the United States, Puerto Rico reported 16 Zika cases last year.

From a prevention perspective, most health agencies recommend avoiding being bitten by infected mosquitoes. 

Argentina's health agency says pregnant women, women of reproductive age, or sexually active women should take extreme preventive and protective measures, as Zika infection during pregnancy is associated with severe birth defects.

Therefore, pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas where the Zika virus transmission is active.

Hopefully, an innovative Zika vaccine candidate (VLA1601) will soon complete clinical trials, offering an additional preventive option for international travelers. 

Note: This news article regarding travel notice removal was updated on March 26, 2025.